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Cool Roofing: Letter from the Editors

Welcome to the fourth annual Cool Roofing special section, a joint effort between Roofing Contractor and Environmental Design + Construction magazines. In this edition, you will find valuable information including case studies on green building projects utilizing energy-saving, environmentally friendly roofing technologies.

Welcome to the fourth annual Cool Roofing special section, a joint effort between Roofing Contractor and Environmental Design + Construction magazines. In this edition, you will find valuable information including case studies on green building projects utilizing energy-saving, environmentally friendly roofing technologies.

Cool and green roofing concepts are gaining ground. More new and existing buildings are showcasing green (or vegetated) roofs, and even more are incorporating cool white (and even colored) roofs. Manufacturers are offering more products that contain recycled content; others are developing products and processes that are compliant with green initiatives and programs. Federal, state and local governments are offering incentives with a variety of programs.

Industry associations and other organizations are leading the way in this cool roofing revolution. The U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System and other initiatives, such as the DOE's Energy Star program and the Cool Roofs Rating Council's testing program, are systematically enhancing the green building market and transforming the design, construction and contracting industries. The Roof Coatings Manufacturers Association recently revised and updated its RCMA Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) Guide. The SpecRight Program, developed by the National Roofing Contractors Association, provides tools for helping contractors and building owners make decisions that can conserve energy and protect the environment through roof system design, materials, installation and maintenance.

In addition to the content available in the following pages, Roofing Contractor and Environmental Design + Construction are excited to present even more articles online at www.RoofingContractor.com and www.EDCmag.com. Web exclusives include:

"SPRI and Sustainable Roof Systems: A Good Fit"

"Sustainable EPDM Reroof Saves Money and Makes Environmental Sense"

With the growing interest in sustainable design, rising energy concerns and a growing number of incentives to build green, you won't want to miss our new fall edition of the Cool Roofing section, available in RC's September issue and ED+C's October issue. Later this year, we will bring you more news and industry updates, including a closer look at recycled roofing products and other hot topics in cool roofing.